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Reports circulating on social media and some local Russian media outlets allege the emergence of a mysterious illness in Russia, characterized by severe fever and patients coughing up blood. The illness reportedly begins with symptoms similar to COVID-19, such as fatigue and muscle aches, but escalates within five days to include a high fever and a persistent, sometimes bloody, cough.
According to posts on the Telegram messaging platform, cases have been reported in multiple Russian cities. Affected individuals describe prolonged fevers, body aches, and a debilitating cough that can linger for weeks. Some reports indicate that patients have tested negative for COVID-19 and influenza, with doctors diagnosing their condition as an “acute upper respiratory tract infection of unspecified origin.”
One woman, identified as Alexandra in a widely viewed Telegram post, described experiencing a week-long cough that worsened to include blood, even after taking antibiotics. The post suggested the possibility of “mycoplasma pneumoniae,” a bacterial infection that can cause flu-like symptoms and pneumonia.
Russian news outlets, including Lenta.ru and Newizv.ru, have covered these reports, highlighting the lack of official confirmation from state health authorities. Newizv.ru cited comments from individuals who shared their symptoms on social media, with some describing severe rib pain from coughing and prolonged fevers.
International experts, while unable to verify the reports, have expressed concerns about the political context surrounding the situation in Russia. Sharon Sanders, an independent disease tracker, noted the potential for disease propaganda, emphasizing the need for caution.
However, Rospotrebnadzor, Russia’s public health agency, has dismissed the claims, stating that there is “no evidence of a new or unidentified virus circulating on the territory of the Russian Federation.” The agency asserted that the epidemiological situation in Russia for respiratory infections, including COVID-19, influenza, and pneumonia, is “stable and fully controlled.” They also stated that ongoing monitoring and genomic surveillance have not detected any new viruses or significant mutations.
Gennady Onishchenko, a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the reports may be exaggerated and calling for data-driven investigations.
Disclaimer: It is important to note that the information presented in this article is based on reports from social media and local Russian media outlets. These reports have not been independently verified by international health organizations or confirmed by official Russian authorities. Therefore, the accuracy and extent of the alleged outbreak remain uncertain. Readers should exercise caution and rely on official sources for accurate and up-to-date information.(https://www.firstpost.com/health/russia-mystery-covid-like-virus-outbreak-reports-13876555.html)
